Regional Researcher – Groundwater Management

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is seeking an innovative & multi skilled candidate to join as a Regional Researcher – Groundwater Management.

The Regional Researcher – Groundwater Management will lead a new FCDO-funded project focused on groundwater management on the Jaffna Peninsula. The successful candidate will oversee the project and may also contribute to other bilateral projects in Sri Lanka and the surrounding region. Collaborating with the project team, IWMI colleagues, and national and international partners, the researcher will be an integral member of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing research on sustainable water resource management in Sri Lanka and the region.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, conceive, and lead research and technical assessments focusing on groundwater availability and use, aiming for sustainable groundwater management in Sri Lanka and South Asia.
• Develop and apply groundwater models at suitable scales to address climate change impacts on groundwater and its management under current and future conditions.
• Design and implement site-specific groundwater interventions to reorient irrigation systems toward conjunctive water use.
• Conduct research on conjunctive surface and groundwater use in irrigation systems, from field to regional scales.
• Lead field-based studies and investigations to assess groundwater availability and use, supporting modelling activities.
• Develop scenarios of interventions affecting water supply and demand, considering future climate and socioeconomic changes.
• Provide technical assistance, training, and capacity-building to project partners and stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, farmers, and water user associations.
• Maintain high-level research output for publication in peer-reviewed journals and other scientific outlets.
• Identify emerging research trends and develop multi-year, multi-partner proposals for innovative research funded by bilateral and multilateral donors.
• Communicate project information and findings to donors, research users, partners, networks, and policy platforms.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• PhD in in hydrology, specializing in groundwater hydrology, hydrogeology, or a closely related discipline coupled with 3 years of relevant post-doctoral experience OR; a Master’s degree in the aforementioned fields coupled with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Previous work experience in hydrogeology, groundwater hydrology, hydrologic modelling, groundwater management, or related water resources projects.
• Competency and experience in using integrated groundwater and surface water models.
• Demonstrated experience in publishing in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated field experience in hydrogeological investigations, including establishing monitoring systems for data collection and mapping subsurface properties.
• Strong expertise in conceptualizing and implementing groundwater-focused projects in Sri Lanka and/or South Asia.

Desirable:

• Experience in mentoring early career researchers.
• Working experience in Sri Lanka’s Northern Region.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential:

• Knowledge of groundwater management, climate change, and water quality issues.
• Knowledge of water quality issues relevant to South Asia and Sri Lanka in particular.
• Excellent ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, integrating technical, social, and environmental considerations into groundwater management strategies and interventions.
• Skill in facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues and knowledge-sharing platforms to promote learning and collective action for sustainable water management.
• Strong management and leadership skills, with attributes such as high standards of conduct, respect, flexibility, diplomacy, and strong work ethics.
• Effective organizational skills, including multitasking, prioritizing work, managing time efficiently, and adapting quickly to new procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, managers, project partners, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate development challenges and complex interdisciplinary topics in water, environment, and climate sectors clearly and effectively.
• Persuasive written and oral communication skills in English, including report development, writing, editing, and strong presentation skills for addressing diverse audiences.

Desirable:

• Proficiency in Sinhala and/or Tamil language.

Source: https://apply.workable.com/international-water-management-institute/j/1167111D39/